I say NO firmly. I found that stretching and strengthening the neck was triggering flares. Stretching the scalenes often has the effect of pulling up on the 1st rib, making matters worse. If you feel you must stretch, some form of rib mobilization must be used (karate belt, towel, etc). Even using rib mobilization during stretching caused me problems. Now that both of my ribs have been removed, I have been able to do the stretches and exercises without ill effects. My neck muscles are weak but strengthening now. I was not getting any benefit to the exercises previously.

I do believe therapeutic massage of these muscles can be helpful (even though it may be painful initially when you are flared). It was definitely helpful to me. Keep trigger points at bay by any means necessary.